"Together" was all about beginnings. The beginning of Kristina's journey into extended cancer treatment, a new romance for Amber as she began steadily seeing Ryan and Julia taking her desire to forge a deeper connection with Victor to a new level. 

Amber and Ryan sitting in a tree! Well, playing miniature golf and hitting the sack, at least. Despite Ryan's desire to take it slow, once they kissed, speed was the only thing on their minds. They were so adorable together. I saw Amber's hesitation when Ryan popped a pill the morning after, but the real surprise is that none of the Bravermans are on any anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs. They're very common and nothing to be worried about. Whether something else happens to raise an alarm remains to be seen.

Sarah found out about the couple and mentioned it to Zeek, who immediately took issue. He didn't say as much, but it was written all over his face. On the one hand, he wanted him to be a part of his family and feel connected, but on the other he didn't want his granddaughter to get close to him. It was only to protect her, but if he's there to watch over them, things shouldn't get too out of hand, if they do at all.

Ryan thinking he was responsible for killing a farmer in Afghanistan was a mess. The guy was an opium farmer, and they showed him how to plant wheat. Once his farms were switched out, the opium gang killed him to send a message to other farmers. Thinking that way must be why Ryan is on medication. People have to learn to feed themselves and their society. That means planting crops that will do it. You have to start somewhere, even if the crime lords try to take it apart. It stinks, but Ryan didn't kill the farmer.

Cancer? Let's take a chicken. What on earth was with that? I couldn't believe five different family and friends brought Kristina a whole roasted chicken as a gift? I remember pot roasts, cakes, muffins, fruit baskets being all the rage. Never in my life did I think to myself, with her recent surgery, I think she needs a chicken.

Kristina wanted her own mother to be there for her, and her wish went unfulfilled. Instead she settled with Camille. She loves Camille, but Kristina wants to be the nurturer and accepting care isn't her thing. It's even more difficult taking it from Adam's mom. It was so touching when Camille caught her talking with her mom on the phone, knowing how badly she needed her mom and that she wasn't who Kristina needed at that moment, no matter how much she was willing to give.

Cut to the scene when they talked about the chemo fleece, Camille meeting Kristina for the first time and calling her Krissy. There may be only two human eyes in my house, but there definitely wasn't a dry one. 

Where are Victor's friends? When the baseball team got together after a game and Victor wasn't invited, concern about his social life grew between Joel and Julia. They wondered if he was being left out because he was Latino. I never realized where the Bravermans lived was so white bread. Victor can't be the only Latino kid in the area.

When they went to pick up Miguel, it was like a slum. So that's where Victor came from? There was never a lot of information about his adoption, but that does give us some inkling as to why the change has been so difficult for the guy. His life couldn't be more different than it was. Julia was pleased with how much fun he had with Miguel, but still wants to figure out what they can do so they can bring out that much happiness in their son.

Bring out the Rosetta Stone, and a giant smile on Victor's face.

Adam needs to unwind. Spending so much of his time lately feeling useless has put Adam into a very stressful state. In turn, he's been slowly taking it out on his family members. Two people don't let it get to them. Max, who manages to be smooth as silk under pretty much any conditions these days; and Crosby, who has prepared to have his brother's back.

When he realized just how wrecked Adam was, Crosby went into protection mode and demanded a night on the town. Nothing big, just a drink or two before Kristina started her chemotherapy - and he'd pay. Until Adam heard that, he had no idea just how transparent he was being with his feelings. He's scared to death for Kristina, and worried about how he's going to handle watching her suffer. I think anyone would feel that same helplessness, and it's typical of Adam and Kristina to be feeling so similarly.

The closing scene with Adam holding Kristina's hand as the chemo started dripping and the music stopped, leaving viewers only to the sound of the hospital machinery beeping as it faded to black, was chilling. I have no doubt Parenthood will do well by cancer patients with this story, just as it has with its coverage of autism, adoption and addiction; and it will be done with the perfect mixt of heartache and humor. 

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.